Jesús Viosca Ros, Sports &Exercise Medicine Doctor & ECS Researcher – Interview Series

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the therapeutic potential of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in managing various health conditions, particularly chronic pain. However, despite its significance, medical education on the ECS remains largely lacking. Many doctors are unfamiliar with this vital regulatory system, which plays a crucial role in modulating pain perception, inflammation, and stress response. As a result, there is a pressing need for comprehensive research and education initiatives to bridge this knowledge gap and equip healthcare professionals with the tools to leverage the ECS in patient care.

Jesús Visoca Ros is a distinguished sports and exercise medicine specialist with a keen interest in medical cannabis and the ECS. In this exclusive interview, Dr. Ross sheds light on his recent review exploring the relationship between the ECS and musculoskeletal pain. Drawing from his extensive background in sports medicine and research, Dr. Ross offers valuable insights into the potential applications of the ECS in pain management.

MyCannabis: Can you introduce yourself and share your background in sports medicine?

Dr Ros: : Of course. My name is Jesús Visoca Ross. I was born in Valencia, Spain, and spent most of my childhood in Cadiz. My journey in sports medicine began when I pursued a specialization in sports and exercise medicine after completing my degree in general medicine. Over the years, I've had the privilege of working with professional soccer players, as well as gaining experience in emergency medicine and various medical departments.

MyCannabis: What initially sparked your interest in medical cannabis and the endocannabinoid system?

Dr. Ros: My fascination with medical cannabis traces back to my days in medical school, nearly two decades ago. I first stumbled upon its potential during a study on treating aggressive brain tumors with THC. Despite facing skepticism from some of my peers and professors, I was intrigued by the possibilities. My curiosity only deepened as I explored research from esteemed institutions like the University of Madrid, where groundbreaking studies on the endocannabinoid system were being conducted.

MyCannabis: Could you walk us through your recent review on the endocannabinoid system and musculoskeletal pain?

Dr. Ros: Certainly. My recent review, conducted as part of my master's thesis, discusses the relationship between the endocannabinoid system and musculoskeletal pain. Through an exhaustive examination of existing literature, I sought to uncover how various factors—such as exercise, nutrition, and stress—affect this complex system and its role in modulating pain perception. It was a fascinating journey that involved analyzing around 100 papers to piece together the puzzle.

MyCannabis: What were some surprising findings or insights you uncovered during your research?

Dr. Ros: One of the most intriguing revelations from my research was the significant role of the endocannabinoid system in pain relief, particularly in conditions like arthritis. Contrary to conventional wisdom, which often attributes the euphoric effects of exercise to endorphins, I discovered that the release of endocannabinoids also plays a crucial role. Additionally, I found that certain medications, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, indirectly activate the endocannabinoid system to alleviate pain—a discovery that shed new light on their mechanisms of action.

MyCannabis: How do you envision the practical application of your research, especially in the context of pain management?

Dr. Ros: While my clinical experience with medical cannabis remains limited due to regulatory constraints in Spain, I firmly believe that there's immense potential in harnessing the endocannabinoid system for pain management. Topical CBD creams have emerged as a promising avenue for providing relief, but there's still much ground to cover. My hope is to disseminate this knowledge widely to empower healthcare professionals with evidence-based insights into pain management strategies.

MyCannabis: What are your aspirations for future research in this field?

Dr. Ros: My aspirations for future research in this field are twofold. Firstly, I hope to see continued exploration into the complexities of the endocannabinoid system and its therapeutic potential, particularly in the realm of pain management. Understanding how factors like diet, stress, and exercise influence this system could pave the way for more effective treatment modalities. Secondly, I aim to contribute to this body of knowledge by conducting further research and collaborating with fellow experts in the field. Ultimately, my goal is to improve the lives of patients suffering from musculoskeletal pain through evidence-based interventions.

It was great pleasure to have this conversation with you Dr Ros and we look forward to seeing his review published.